The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected another big season from 2nd year running back Bucky Irving in 2025 after he topped 1,000 yards rushing as a rookie.
Instead, all they got were injuries and headaches. They also got Irving falling off the map in terms of production — his numbers were essentially cut in half as he missed 7 games due to injuries.
Getting Irving back at full strength is important for 2026, and following offseason shoulder surgery in February, it seems like that’s still a long way off.
“Bucs RB Bucky Irving apparently has not been cleared to participate just yet coming off shoulder surgery,” Pewter Report wrote on its official X account on Tuesday. “Time will tell if he is able to get cleared to see the field during OTAs or if the team will hold off until training camp.”
All signs point to Irving not returning until the latter.
“My understanding is Irving will be limited in OTAs and full go when training camp begins,” Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account. “Same timetable expected when he had surgery. Just being smart getting him back healthy.”
Bucky Irving’s Postseason Surgery Came as Surprise
If you’re asking yourself, “Wait, when did Bucky Irving have shoulder surgery?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Irving’s surgery in February went largely under the radar — perhaps because he was such a non-factor for the Buccaneers for most of the season.
“Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving dealt with a lot last year,” Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds wrote on February 16. “First there was foot and shoulder injuries that occurred in a Week 4 loss to the Eagles. Then came a mentally rough patch while he was recovering from those injuries when Irving was isolated from the team as he was rehabbing. Irving’s foot fully healed during the season, but his shoulder did not and required offseason surgery to fully fix. Joe Bucs Fan first reported the news on Monday evening and Pewter Report has confirmed the fact that Irving did have offseason shoulder surgery.”
Irving was a sensation as a rookie with 1,514 yards of total offense and 8 touchdowns while serving mostly in a backup role to Rachaad White — a stat line which included 1,122 rushing yards. In 2025, Irving had 865 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns.
Bucky Irving Could Take Backseat to Free Agent RB
Irving’s return won’t be rushed by the Buccaneers — especially after they made a splash in free agency by signing running back Kenneth Gainwell away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a 2-year, $14 million contract.
That’s a fortune compared to what they’re spending on Irving right now, who is entering the 3rd year of a 4-year, $4.751 million rookie contract.
There are plenty of scenarios where Irving takes a step back to the role he played as a rookie, when he excelled playing behind White.
“With Bucky Irving coming off foot and shoulder injuries, the Bucs needed not only a change-of-pace, third-down back, but someone who could do a little more, if needed,” ESPN’s Jenna Laine wrote. “His 1,023 yards from scrimmage last season were second most of any position on the Steelers behind starter Jaylen Warren, and he tied with Warren for a team-leading eight touchdowns. He gave up one sack this past season on 41 pass blocking reps.”
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